What is high speed steel? It’s this bunch of tool steel alloys. High speed steel they can slice through materials way faster than the old-school high-carbon steels that were used in cutting tools before.
The very common steel high-speed grades are:
M2 (1.3343), M35 (1.3243), M42 (1.3247), T1 (1.3355), M50 etc.
M2 (1.3343)
M2 stands out as a medium-alloyed high-speed steel, balancing toughness and resistance for demanding applications.
M35 (1.3243)
It’s this medium-alloyed high-speed tool steel. People also call it HSSE or HSS-E, kinda like M2’s cousin, but with a 5% cobalt kick. That little cobalt twist? It jazzes up the hot hardness and wear resistance.
M42 (1.3247)
M42 (1.3247) steel, a high-speed tool steel, is esteemed for its exceptional hardness and cutting efficiency. It’s a cobalt-rich, molybdenum-series alloy, known for superior heat resistance and strength. Ideal for high-temperature cutting environments, M42 maintains sharpness and durability, making it perfect for machining hard materials and in producing tools like end mills, drills, and taps. Its blend of toughness and resistance to wear and abrasion positions it as a preferred choice in tooling applications.